Address of President Serzh Sargsyan to the participants of the 39th plenary session of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization

President Serzh Sargsyan addressed the participants of the 39th plenary session of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization.

The Presidential address states:

“I am glad to welcome the participants of the 39th plenary session of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization and the guests.

Armenia attaches great importance to the works of the international structures, particularly BSEC, and to the further development of its parliamentary dimension as a key organization for regional cooperation. It is vividly manifested by Armenia’s expressed readiness to host this session in the last working days of the current parliament, not tying normal functioning of the BSEC to our internal political calendar.
Today, parliamentary diplomacy has its unique place in the development of international relations. It has a particularly important role in the strengthening democratic principles, protection of human rights and upholding the rule of law.
The establishment of interparliamentary dialogue is significant for the dissemination of these values and creation of the atmosphere of mutual trust. In turn, all this allows to enroot durable peace and stability through the promotion of a full-fledged regional cooperation.

Armenia is confident that mutual trust can be achieved only through the expansion of interaction, opening of the closed borders and enhancement of multifaceted cooperation, which will serve a basis for the resolution of all issues through a peaceful, concession-based solution.

In this context, the role of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization is very important. I am certain that we are united by common goals which are aimed at the deepening of the political dialogue, expansion of trade and economic relations and prosperity for our peoples. Armenia will continue to undertake steps to deepen that cooperation and will greet any initiative aimed at the creation of the atmosphere of trust in the region.

General debate held in the framework of 39th plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of BSEC held in Yerevan have been dedicated to the most urgent topics – sustainable economic development, ecology, social needs of the people, state assistance to the private sector. I am convinced that considering the compromise approach intrinsic to parliamentarism, you will be able to play a considerable role in adopting general decisions which, at the same time, will respect interests of all member states.

I wish every success to your work.”